Convertible beverage container and drinking apparatus

ABSTRACT

A convertible beverage container includes a first pod portion, a second pod portion, and at least one seal. The first and second pod portions are configured to alternately form (a) a pod configuration in which a base element at a base end of the first pod portion is fixably attached to an open orifice at a drinking end of the second pod portion with the at least one seal disposed between the first and second pod portions to form a seal therebetween and (b) a stemware configuration in which an attachment element at an attachment end of the first pod portion is fixably attached to an attachment region of the second pod portion to form a stemware drinking vessel having a foot, a stem, and a bowl in which the first pod portion forms the foot and stem of the stemware drinking vessel and the second pod portion forms the bowl of the stemware drinking vessel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This patent application claims the benefit of United States ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/945,652 entitled CONVERTIBLE BEVERAGECONTAINER AND DRINKING APPARATUS filed Dec. 9, 2019 (Attorney Docket No.38330.11900), which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

The subject matter of this patent application is closely related to thesubject matter of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/104,538 entitledCONVERTIBLE BEVERAGE CONTAINER AND DRINKING APPARATUS filed Apr. 17,2018 (Attorney Docket No. 38330.11700), which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

The subject matter of this patent application also is related to thesubject matter of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/361,988 entitledCONVERTIBLE BEVERAGE CONTAINER AND DRINKING APPARATUS AND METHOD FORMANUFACTURING filed Nov. 28, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,455,958(Attorney Docket No. 38330.11400), which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

The subject matter of this patent application also is related to thesubject matter of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/713,575 entitledCONVERTIBLE BEVERAGE CONTAINER AND DRINKING APPARATUS AND METHOD FORMANUFACTURING filed Dec. 13, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,504,341 (AttorneyDocket No. 38330.11100), which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

The subject matter of this patent application also may be related to thesubject matter of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/200,445 entitledBEER BOTTLE GLASS filed Sep. 23, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. 38330.11000),which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to beverage containers, moreparticularly to a convertible beverage container and drinking apparatusthat contains a beverage or one or more ingredients for a beverage andconverts to a stemware-type drinking vessel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is generally known, alcohol is a controlled substance that is highlyregulated. To bottle alcohol generally requires substantial regulatorycompliance. As a result, distillers often perform their own bottling andthey focus their operations on a few alcoholic products that they sell.This regulatory and market constraint limits the choice of beverages andcontainer alternatives to consumers.

In some cases, it may be necessary or desirable to quickly dispensealcoholic beverages, particularly mixed drinks, in a confined spacewhile offering wide varieties of alternatives to consumers. For example,airlines serve alcoholic beverages on airplanes and stadiumconcession-stands serve alcoholic beverages during sporting events insingle sized servings. Alcoholic beverages may be served at concessionstands at concerts, theme parks, and other types of events. In suchscenarios, servers generally need to distribute beverages to a largenumber of consumers in a rapidly-moving and chaotic environment, whichcan be difficult to do if the server needs to mix a drink or compilevarious ingredients (e.g., alcohol and a mixer) together with a cup orglass to distribute to the consumer.

There is a need to provide easily-dispensable beverages that offerswide-varieties of choices to consumers.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided aconvertible beverage container and drinking apparatus comprising a firstpod portion configured to secure a bottom end of a container and form awider base for the container and a second pod portion configured toremovably attach to the first pod portion, the second pod portion havingan open orifice at a drinking end and an attachment region oppositelydisposed to the drinking end, the attachment region configured tofixably engage to a mouth end of the container to form a stemwaredrinking vessel in which the first pod portion forms the foot of thestemware drinking vessel, the container forms the stem of the stemwaredrinking vessel, and the second pod portion forms the bowl of thestemware drinking vessel.

In various alternative embodiments, the convertible beverage containerand drinking apparatus may further include a container secured to thefirst pod portion, wherein the container contains a beverage or aningredient for a beverage. For example, the container may be a nipbottle containing alcohol. Alternatively, the container may be anothertype of container and may contain a liquid, powder, or other substance.The container may be made of virtually any material, such as glass,plastic, or metal. The first pod portion may fixably attach to the baseend, for example, by press-fit, adhesive, indentation, ultrasonicwelding, or heat fusion.

The first pod portion and the second pod portion generally form a podwhen the first and second pod portions are attached to one another. Thesecond pod portion may be configured to fixably attach to the first podportion, for example, by a screw-fit, a press-fit, a snap-fit, or alocking tab. The first and second pod portions are typically made ofplastic but alternatively may be made from other materials. Theattachment region of the second pod portion may be threaded to fixablyengage to the mouth end of the container.

The second pod portion may (and typically does) have a volume greaterthan the container, e.g., to allow the second pod portion to hold thecontents of the container plus one or more additional ingredients suchas for a mixed drink, and/or to mix a beverage. The second pod portionmay contain an ingredient for a beverage, such as, for example, a mixersuch as soda, juice, etc. The second portion may include a removableseal to hold the ingredient in the second pod portion. Additionally oralternatively, the first pod portion may include a hollow cavitycontaining at least one of (1) an ingredient for the beverage, (2) adrink-related article, or (3) a sanitary-related article. The second podportion may be shaped as the bowl section of a glass used for a specifictype of mixed drink, for example, based on an ingredient contained inthe second pod portion or based on the contents of the container. Insome embodiments, the second pod portion may be shaped as an ornament.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided amethod of manufacturing a convertible beverage container and drinkingapparatus. The method involves providing a base cover member configuredto accommodate a base end of a container, the base cover member forminga wider base thereof, and attaching a bowl member to the base covermember to form a closed pod, the bowl member having an open orifice at adrinking end and an attachment region oppositely disposed to thedrinking end, the attachment region being configured to fixably engageto a mouth end of the container to form a stemware drinking vessel inwhich the first pod portion forms the foot of the stemware drinkingvessel, the container forms the stem of the stemware drinking vessel,and the second pod portion forms the bowl of the stemware drinkingvessel.

In various alternative embodiments, the method may further involveattaching the base end of a container to the base cover member. Thecontainer typically contains a beverage or an ingredient for a beverageand may be, for example, a nip bottle containing alcohol for analcoholic beverage.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention there is provideda method of converting a convertible beverage container to a stemwaredrinking vessel, the convertible beverage container having a pod fixablyattached to a container, the pod having a first pod portion and a secondpod portion removably attached thereto, the second pod portion having anopen orifice at a drinking end and an attachment region oppositelydisposed to the drinking end, the attachment region configured tofixably engage to a mouth end of the container. The method involvesdisengaging the second pod portion from the first pod portion andfixably engaging the attachment region of the second pod portion to themouth end of the container to form the stemware drinking vessel in whichthe first pod portion forms the foot of the stemware drinking vessel,the container forms the stem of the stemware drinking vessel, and thesecond pod portion forms the bowl of the stemware drinking vessel.

In various alternative embodiments, the container typically contains abeverage or an ingredient for a beverage (e.g., the container may be anip bottle containing alcohol for an alcoholic beverage), and the methodmay further involve, prior to fixably engaging the attachment region ofthe second pod portion to the mouth end of the container, opening thecontainer and pouring the beverage or ingredient for the beverage intothe second pod portion. The second pod portion may include an ingredientfor the beverage (e.g., a mixer such as soda or juice) and may include aremovable seal to hold the ingredient in the second pod portion, and themethod may further involve removing the seal prior to pouring thebeverage or ingredient for the beverage from the container into thesecond pod portion.

Additional embodiments may be disclosed and claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features of embodiments will be more readily understood byreference to the following detailed description, taken with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a convertiblebeverage container and drinking apparatus in an initial pre-packagedform for storage and dispensing;

FIG. 1B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the convertiblebeverage container and drinking apparatus of FIG. 1A in a convertedform;

FIG. 2A schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the firstpod portion with a press-fit recess to accommodate a pre-packaged fluidcontainer;

FIGS. 2B-E schematically show various embodiments of the first podportion with different recess shapes;

FIGS. 3A-B schematically illustrate various configurations of theattachment region of the second pod portion;

FIGS. 4A-C schematically illustrate various types of fixably attachingmechanisms between the first pod portion and the second pod portion;

FIGS. 5A-I schematically illustrate various shapes of the second podportion;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the first pod portion and second podportion fixably attached to form a sealed pod;

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the second pod portion having apre-sealed portion;

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates the first pod portion as a storagecontainer;

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a convertible-beverage container anddrinking apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 9 in a convertedform;

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a drinking bowl and a base cover ofFIG. 9 being disengaged from each other according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates the drinking bowl of FIG. 9 prior tobeing fixably engaged to the nip bottle;

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a method of manufacturing aconvertible beverage container and drinking apparatus; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a method of converting a convertible beveragecontainer to a drinking apparatus.

FIG. 15 shows a two-piece convertible beverage container and drinkingapparatus, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows a two-piece convertible beverage container and drinkingapparatus, in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 shows a two-piece convertible beverage container and drinkingapparatus, in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 shows yet another exemplary embodiment of a convertible beveragecontainer and drinking apparatus having some additional/alternativefeatures, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 19 shows yet another exemplary embodiment of a convertible beveragecontainer and drinking apparatus having additional/alternative features,in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 20 shows some further additional/alternative features that can beused with the embodiments of FIGS. 18 and 19.

FIG. 21A shows Detail C from FIG. 17 highlighting one of theadditional/alternative features in which the base element of the firstpod portion includes a cropped overhang to accommodate a ring, inaccordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 21B shows corresponding Detail C from FIGS. 19-20 highlighting oneof the additional/alternative features in which the base element of thefirst pod portion includes a cropped overhang to accommodate a ring, inaccordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 21C shows corresponding Detail L from FIG. 18 highlighting one ofthe additional/alternative features in which the base element of thefirst pod portion includes a cropped overhang to accommodate a ring, inaccordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a bottom ring configured toscrew-fit onto the existing threading of the base element of the firstpod portion, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23 shows printing or engraving on the second pod portion, inaccordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 24 highlights another additional/alternative feature of theembodiments of FIGS. 18-20 in which the attachment element at theattachment end of the first pod portion is configured to attach to theattachment region of the second pod portion via a press-fit attachmentrather than being threaded for screw-on attachment, in accordance withcertain exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing a top ring configured toscrew-fit onto the existing threading of the top-drinking end of thesecond pod portion, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

It should be noted that the foregoing figures and the elements depictedtherein are not necessarily drawn to consistent scale or to any scale.Unless the context otherwise suggests, like elements are indicated bylike numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, the term “convertible” refers to an apparatus beingchanged from one use or tangible form to another.

As used herein, the term “fixably attached” refers to two componentsthat are attached so that they remain together either permanently ortemporarily (e.g., until they are expressly disengaged).

In exemplary embodiments, a convertible drinking vessel (referred toherein for convenience as a “pod”) is configured to hold an otherwiseseparate container containing a beverage or ingredient for a beverage(such as a nip bottle of alcohol) in such a way that the pod withcontainer can be distributed as a unit and is convertible to astemware-type drinking vessel in which a top portion of the pod thatsecures the container becomes the foot of the stemware, the containerbecomes the stem of the stemware, and a bottom portion of the pod (whichoptionally may be pre-packaged with an ingredient for a mixed beverage,such as a liquid or powder mixer) can be attached to the top of thecontainer to become the bowl of the stemware.

Generally speaking, in order to use the pod for preparing and/ordrinking a beverage, the consumer would separate the bottom portion ofthe pod from the top portion, open the container, pour some or all ofthe contents of the container into the bottom portion (which optionallymay contain an ingredient for a mixed drink, such as soda, juice, orother mixer), and then attach the bottom portion to the opened end ofthe container to form the stemware drinking vessel. Since the pod withcontainer can be distributed as a unit, distribution should be muchfaster than, say, distributing separate drink components. As a result,it is expected that more beverages can be distributed in a shorteramount of time, which, for example, can reduce the amount of time aconsumer needs to wait in line for a beverage and hence may increaseoverall sales as people who otherwise might have avoided purchasing abeverage due to a long or slow-moving line now might choose to purchasethe beverage due to a short or fast-moving line. This may beparticularly advantageous during intermissions of an event, such as, forexample, between quarters of a football or basketball game, betweenperiods of a hockey game, between innings of a baseball game, atintermissions of a concert or play, etc. Also, since the pod withcontainer can be distributed as a unit, it should be easier for vendorson foot to carry and dispense mixed drinks, such as in the stands ofsporting events where mixed drinks often are not currently served.

FIG. 1A schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a convertiblebeverage container and drinking apparatus 100 in an initial pre-packagedform for storage and dispensing. The apparatus 100 includes a container102 that is typically pre-packaged with an ingredient 108 for abeverage, such as a liquid (e.g., alcohol), powder, or other form ofingredient. In the illustrative embodiment, the container 102 may be asmall bottle (e.g., a nip bottle) that has been pre-packaged with aningredient such as liquor, although the container 102 can be other typesof containers, such as, for example, a small can. The container 102 maybe made of any material, such as plastic or glass or metal. In thisillustrative embodiment, the container 102 has a top-mouth end 110, anelongated body 106, and a bottom-base end 112 oppositely disposed to thetop-mouth end 110. The mouth end 110 forms an orifice, which is sealedby a sealing cap 104. The sealing cap 104 is fixably engaged to mouthend 110, such as by means of a twist-off cap, a cork, or a locking tab,which are configured to be removed during use.

The apparatus 100 also includes a pod 118 having a first pod portion 114fixably attached to the base end 112 of the container 102. The first podportion 114 forms a wider base for the container 102 than the base end112 and extends from the base end 112. The first pod portion 114 mayfixably attach to the base end 112, at the bottom thereof, and may beheld by at least one of press-fit, adhesives, indentation, ultrasonicwelding, and heat fusion. According to one exemplary embodiment, thefirst pod portion 114 is configured for simple attachment (to bediscussed) to the container 102, such as by press-fitting the container102 into a receptacle in the first pod portion 114.

The apparatus 100 also includes a second pod portion 116 fixablyattached to the first pod portion 114 to form a closed pod 118. Thesecond pod portion 116 and first pod portion 114 are configured todisengage from one another. The second pod portion 116 includes anelongated body having a drinking orifice 120 at the top-drinking end 122and an attachment region 124 at the bottom end 126 oppositely disposedto the drinking end 122. The attachment region 124 is configured tofixably engage to the container 102. According to one exemplaryembodiment, the attachment region 124 can be fixably engaged to thetop-mouth end 110 of the pre-packaged fluid container 102 after thesealing cap 104 is removed. The attachment region 124 may be configuredto seal the container 102. In an alternate embodiment, the attachmentregion 124 may be fixably engaged to the sealing cap 104 of thepre-packaged fluid container 102.

To provide easily-dispensable and pre-packaged mixed alcoholicbeverages, a server or vendor may readily dispense pre-packagedbeverages in apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the convertiblebeverage container and drinking apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A in a convertedform. To prepare the beverage for consumption, a consumer woulddisengage the second pod portion 116 from the first pod portion 114. Theconsumer then opens the container 102 by removing the sealing cap 104and pours some or all of the contents 108 into the second pod portion116 (which may contain a mixer as discussed below). The consumer maythen attach the second pod portion 116 to the top-mouth end 110 of thecontainer 102. The resulting converted drinking apparatus is shown inFIG. 1B and essentially forms an article of stemware in which the firstpod portion 114 forms the foot of the stemware, the container 102 formsthe stem, and the second pod portion 116 forms the bowl.

The second pod portion 116 typically has a volume greater than that ofthe container 102 (e.g., at least twice the volume). This larger volumemay accommodate additional ingredients to be added to make the mixeddrinks as well as for mixing.

Alternatively, for certain type of mixed drinks, the apparatus 100 maybe configured to allow the first pod portion 114 to fixably attach toand disengage from the second pod portion 116 multiple times. In suchconfiguration, the consumer may first disengage the first and second podportions 114, 116 to allow for the ingredient 108 and other ingredientsto be poured therein. Subsequently, the first and second pod portions114, 116 may be reengaged to allow the consumer to mix a cocktailbeverage by shaking the engaged pod portions.

The first and second pod portions 114, 116 may be made of the samematerial, such as a thermoplastic, or glass. It should be apparent thatvarious types of plastic materials may be used, including, for example,high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polyethyleneterephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, or polystyrene.

The apparatus 100 may be configured to provide great flexibility. Insome embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be configured with topographicalfeatures to allow for easy attachment of the container 102 with thefirst pod section 114.

FIG. 2A schematically illustrates the first pod portion 114 with apress-fit recess 202 to accommodate a container 102. Here, the first podportion 114 has a recess 202 that is configured to fit the base end 112of the container 102. The recess 202 may have a plurality of fins 204 toprotrude into the recess 202 to provide the press-fit contact. The fins204 may be compliant in that they may have certain elasticitycharacteristic to allow a container 102 to fit into the recess 202 whileproviding sufficient rigidity to frictionally secure the container 102.

FIG. 2B-E schematically show various alternative embodiments of thefirst pod portion 114 with different recess shapes to form a press-fitto accommodate variously shaped containers 102. In FIG. 2B, the firstpod portion 114 is schematically shown having a recess 202 that isgenerally square 206. The recess 202 may have fins 204 locatedcircumferentially therein. The fins 204 may be compliant to thecontainer 102 placed within the recess 202. Here, being compliant refersto being able to vary or deform from an initial position 208 to acomplied position 210.

The fins 204 may comply to form the press-fit with the base-end 112 ofthe container 102. Alternatively, the walls of the recess 202 may bemade sufficiently thin to allow for it to flex when the container 102 isplaced within the recess 202.

Accordingly, both the fins 204 and the walls may deform to form thepress-fit with the base-end 112 of the container 102.

FIG. 2C schematically illustrates an alternate recess shape in the firstpod portion 114. Here, the recess 202 is generally circular 212 and mayaccommodate a circular-shaped container 102. The circular shaped recess212 may have fins 214 located circumferentially along its innerperimeter.

FIG. 2D schematically illustrates another alternate recess shape in thefirst pod portion 114. Here, the recess 202 is generally a square 216and may accommodate a square shaped container 102. The square shapedrecess 216 may have fins 218 located along its inner perimeter.

FIG. 2E schematically illustrates another alternate recess shape in thefirst pod portion 114. Here, the recess 202 includes a circularcomponent 220 and square component 222 to accommodate either a squareshaped or circular shaped container 102, such as to allow thisconfiguration of first pod portion 114 to be used with certain differenttypes of containers 102 (e.g., different sizes, shapes, types, brands,etc.).

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the variousrecess shapes provided are merely illustrative to show a press-fitcontact between the first pod portion 114 and the base-end 112 of thecontainer 102. The recess shapes may be configured to accommodatevarious alternate shapes of the base-end of the containers.

FIGS. 3A-B schematically illustrate various configurations of theattachment region 124 of the second pod portion. The attachment region124 may fixably attach to the container 102 by any of variousmechanisms, such as, for example, pressure-fit, recess screw, lockingtab, or recess with a compliant gasket. FIG. 3A schematicallyillustrates the attachment region 124 as a recess screw 304. Where thetop-mouth end 110 of the container 102 is a screw 302, the attachmentregion 124 may be shaped as a corresponding screw recess 304 at thebottom end 126 of second pod portion 116, including a threadedprotrusion.

FIG. 3B schematically illustrates the attachment region 124 as a recess306 with a compliant gasket 308. The compliant gasket 308 may have, forexample, a round, rectangular, or oval cross section. In this exemplaryembodiment, the compliant gasket 308 is placed in the recess 306 andretained in placed with a retaining ring 310. The recess 306 andcompliant gasket 308 provides a pressure-fit engagement with the mouthend 110 of the container 102.

Alternatively, the attachment region may include a locking tab to engagewith the mouth end 110 of the container 102.

The first pod portion 114 or the second pod portion 116 may beconfigured to be fixably attached to one another by any of variousmechanisms, such as a pressure-fit, a screw-fit, a snap-fit, or alocking tab. FIG. 4A-C schematically illustrate various types of fixablyattaching mechanisms between the first pod portion 114 and the secondpod portion 116. In FIG. 4A, a cross-sectional view of a schematicassembly of the first pod portion 114 being fixably attached to thesecond pod portion 116 by a screw-fit is shown. The first pod portion114 has a first retaining screw portion 402 and the second pod portion116 has a second retaining screw portion 404. The first retaining screwportion 402 corresponds to the second retaining screw portion 404.

FIG. 4B schematically illustrates the first pod portion 114 beingfixably attached to the second pod portion 116 by a locking tabassembly. Here, the first pod portion 114 forms a mounting ring 406having a set of retaining tabs 408. The second pod portion 116 forms acorresponding retaining tab 410. The tabs 408, 410 may align the firstpod portion 114 and the second pod portion 116 during assembly. Eitherthe first pod portion 114 or the second pod portion 116 may include theretaining component with the corresponding pod portion having thecorresponding retaining component.

FIG. 4C schematically illustrates the first pod portion 114 beingfixably attached to the second pod portion 116 by press-fit. Here, thefirst pod portion 114 may include an angled cross section 412 that isconfigured to deform or comply (shown in dash lines) to the second podportion 116. As a result, as the second pod portion 116 is inserted intothe first pod portion 114, the angled cross section 412 wedges againstthe inner mouth part of the second pod portion 116 to form thepress-fit.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to anyparticular way for fixably attaching the first and second pod portions.

In various alternative embodiments, the second pod portion 116 may beshaped as any of various types of drinking vessels, e.g., so that theshape of the drinking vessel matches the type of beverage being consumed(e.g., shaped like a margarita glass for margarita beverages, shapedlike a martini for martini beverages, etc.). FIGS. 5A-I schematicallyillustrate, without limitation, various possible shapes of the secondpod portions 116. For example, the second pod portions may be shaped asa bowl portion of a wine glass (FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B), a cocktail glass(FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D), a champagne flute (FIG. 5E), a polygonal shapedglass (FIG. 5F), a brandy glass (FIG. 5G), or a martini glass (FIG. 5H).Of course, the second pod portion 116 may be shaped like other types ofdrinking vessels, such as, for example, margarita glass, hurricaneglass, etc. Alternatively, the second pod portion 116 may bedecoratively shaped in other ways, such as parts of animals or people.FIG. 5I illustrates the second pod portion 116 shaped as part of ananimal. Here, a horse head is shown. It should be apparent that variousshaped themes may be employed, such as sports equipment, celebrityfaces, airplanes, company logos, etc.

In certain embodiments, the first pod portion 114 and second pod portion116 may fixably attach to each other to form a sealed pod. FIG. 6schematically illustrates the first pod portion 114 and second podportion 116 fixably attached to form a sealed pod 602. Here, second podportion 116 is configured to fixably attach to the first pod 114portion, for example, by at least one of a screw-fit, a press-fit, or alocking tab. The second pod portion 116 may be pre-filled with abeverage or ingredient for a beverage 608 (e.g., a fluid, powder, syrup,or crystals, etc.).

In certain embodiments, the second pod portion 116 may be pre-sealedwith a beverage ingredient. FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the secondpod portion 116 having a pre-sealed portion 702. Here, the second podportion 116 includes a sealing lid 704 to fixably engage a lip 706proximal or near the top-drinking end 122 of the second pod portion 116to seal a mixer 708 within (e.g., a fluid, powder, syrup, or crystal,etc.). The mixer 708 may be carbonated beverage or juice to be combinedwith the contents 108 in the container 102. The second pod portion 116may have a portion 710 extending from its elongated body to fixablyconnect with the first pod portion 114. The sealing lid 704 may be anyof various single-use types, such as, for example, a peel-back foilcover or other seals. The sealing lid 704 may be configured for re-use,such as, for example, a locking tab or a screw-fit, to allow forassembly or sealing prior to use.

In certain embodiments, the first pod portion 114 may be configured tostore one or more ingredients and/or related items for the drink. FIG. 8schematically illustrates the first pod portion 114 as a storagecontainer. Here, the first pod portion 114 may include a hollowunderside cavity 802. The hollow cavity 802 of the first pod portion 114may house, for example, a sealed packet 804 and/or any of various typesof drink-related articles 806, such as a cocktail parasol, garnish(e.g., citrus slice, olives), a napkin or a coaster. The hollow cavity802 may additionally or alternatively house sanitary-related articles,such as a wet-nap or hand sanitizer. Multiple items may be housed withinthe sealed pod. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that thefirst pod portion 114 may house a packet as the second pod portion 116houses a sealed fluid. The cavity 802 may be sealed (e.g., using apeel-back foil seal or other seal) and may contain packaged and/orunpackaged items.

An exemplary embodiment is now described. FIG. 9 schematicallyillustrates a convertible-beverage container and drinking apparatus 900containing a pre-packaged sealed fluid 902, such as may be dispensed inan airplane or other transportation-related setting or at a large crowdsetting (e.g., a stadium, a concert hall, or a theme park). Theapparatus 900 includes a nip bottle 904 having a sealing cap 906, afluid-containing elongated body 908, and liquor or alcoholic spirits 902sealed within. The fluid-containing elongated body 908 has a mouth end910 oppositely disposed to a base end 912 and forms an orifice 914 atthe mouth end 910. The sealing cap 906 fixably engages to the orifice914 to seal the sealed fluid 902 in the nip bottle 904.

The apparatus also includes a base cover 916 fixably attached to thebase end 912. The base cover 916 forms a wider base for the nip bottle902.

The apparatus 900 also includes a drinking bowl 918 configured tofixably attach to the base cover 916 to from a closed container 920. Thebase cover 916 and drinking bowl 918 are configured to disengage fromeach other. The drinking bowl 918 is an elongated body 922 having anopen orifice 924 forming a drinking mouth at a top-drinking end 928 andhaving a screw recess 930 at a bottom end 932 that is oppositelydisposed to the top-drinking end 928. The screw recess 930 is configuredto fixably engage to the mouth end 910 of the nip bottle 904. Thedrinking bowl 918 may be shaped with a narrowing bottom for easierassembly with the nip bottle 904.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 9 in a convertedform of a drinking vessel, i.e., with the drinking bowl 918 separatedfrom the base cover 916 and attached to the nip bottle to form anarticle of stemware.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates the drinking bowl 918 and base cover916 of FIG. 9 being disengaged 1102 from one other according to oneexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates the drinking bowl 918 of FIG. 9 priorto being fixably engaged 1202 to the nip bottle 904.

In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a convertible beveragecontainer and drinking apparatus having a pre-packaged sealed fluid isprovided. FIG. 13 illustrates a method 1300 of manufacturing aconvertible beverage container and drinking apparatus. The methodincludes providing a base cover member, which is configured to fixablyattach to a base end of a pre-packaged fluid container (Step 1302). Thebase cover member may fixably attach to the container at the base end byat least one of press-fitting, adhesives, indentation, ultrasonicwelding, and heat fusion. For example, the base cover member may fixablyattach to the container 102 by frictional contact. For example, duringassembly, the container may be press-fit into a receptacle of the basecover member. In some embodiments, heat may be applied to the base covermember to expand its size by thermal expansion, in which case thecontainer 102 may be pressed into the expanded base cover member, whichmay be rapidly or allowed to cool to secure the container 102.Alternatively, the base cover member may include a recess portion havingcompliant fins that are configured to accommodate the base-end ofcontainer.

The method also includes attaching a bowl member to the base covermember to form a closed container (Step 1304). The bowl member being anelongated body having an open orifice forming a drinking mouth at adrinking end and having an attachment region oppositely disposed to thedrinking end. The attachment region is configured to fixably engage to amouth end of the pre-packaged fluid container.

In another embodiment, a method of converting a convertible beveragecontainer to a drinking apparatus is provided. FIG. 14 illustrates amethod of converting a convertible beverage container to a drinkingvessel. The method includes providing a pod fixably attached to acontainer (Step 1402). The pod may have a first pod portion and a secondpod portion fixably attached to one another to form a closed container.The first pod portion and second pod portion are also configured todisengage from one another. The container may have a sealing cap, anelongated body, and an ingredient within the container. The elongatedbody may have a mouth end oppositely disposed to a base end. Theelongated body may form an orifice at the mouth end. The sealing cap mayfixably engage to the orifice to seal the sealed ingredient in thecontainer. The first pod portion may form a wider base of the container.The second pod portion may have a second elongated body that forms (i)an open orifice at a drinking end and (ii) an attachment regionoppositely disposed to the drinking end. The attachment region may beconfigured to fixably engage to a mouth end of the container.

The method also includes disengaging the second pod portion from thefirst pod portion (Step 1404). The method then includes fixably engagingthe attachment region of the second pod portion to the mouth end of thecontainer to form the drinking apparatus (Step 1406).

In practice, it is expected that the pod will be manufactured andassembled separately from the container, including, for example,manufacture of the top and bottom portions of the pod (e.g., by aplastics molding manufacturer), any filling and/or sealing ofingredients/items in the top portion and/or bottom portion of the pod(e.g., filling the bottom portion with a mixer such as soda or juice andoptionally sealing the bottom portion such as with a peel-back foilseal), and connecting the top and bottom portions. Assembled pods may bedistributed separately and/or may be distributed with containers such asnip bottles installed.

For example, one company may sell assembled pods to a liquor company orother vendor that in turn installs containers and sells the pods withcontainers as a unit to either another vendor or directly to theconsumer. Thus, in some embodiments, a vendor (e.g., an airline) maypurchase pre-assembled pods from one source, purchase nip bottles ofalcohol from another source, and attach the nip bottles to thepre-assembled pods to distribute as a unit. In other embodiments, aliquor distributor may purchase or manufacture pods, attach nip bottlesof their own alcohol to the pods, and distribute the pods withcontainers as a unit.

For another example, a liquor store may sell pods, and customers maypurchase a pod along with a nip of alcohol and attach the nip bottle tothe pod themselves in order to have a mixed drink in a drinking vessel.

It should be noted that, generally speaking, pods and containers can becombined in a “mix-and-match” fashion. For example, containers of aparticular type of alcohol (e.g., vodka, rum, whiskey, etc.) may matewith any of a variety of pods (e.g., vodka containers may mate with podsfilled with orange juice, tomato juice, and other vodka-based drinkmixers). Also, pods filled with a particular type ingredient (e.g., podsfilled with orange juice, sour mix, etc.) may mate with any of a varietyof alcohol containers (e.g., pods filled with sour mix may mate withcontainers filled with vodka, whiskey, melon liquor, or other alcoholsthat are typically used with sour mix). Thus, a wide variety of mixeddrinks can be distributed using a relatively small number of pod typesand container types (e.g., five types of pods and five types of alcoholcontainers can be combined to form 25 types of mixed drinks).

While some exemplary embodiments are described above with reference to abottle-type container (e.g., a nip bottle) that is attached to the podand is used as the stem of a stemware beverage vessel, it should benoted that alternative embodiments may use a small can or other type ofcontainer. For example, juices (e.g., orange, tomato, pineapple, apple,etc.), energy drinks, and other types of beverage are often available incans, and the pod can be configured such that the top portion of the podsecures the can and the bottom portion of the pod attaches to the top ofthe can so that the can forms the stem of the stemware beverage vessel.

While some exemplary embodiments are described above with reference tomixed drinks in which the pod contains a non-alcoholic mixer and thecontainer contains a type of alcohol, it should be noted that pods maycontain alcohol and the container may contain a second type of alcoholor a non-alcoholic mixer.

In various alternative embodiments, a two-piece convertible beveragecontainer and drinking apparatus is provided in which the first podportion 114 is configured to include an attachment element that issimilar to the configuration of the top-mouth end of the container 102or otherwise configured to attach to the attachment region 124 of thesecond pod portion 116, such that the second pod portion 116 can beattached to the attachment element of the first pod portion 114 to forman article of stemware without use of a separate container 102 such as anip bottle or can acting as the stem of the article of stemware. Withoutlimitation, some exemplary two-piece embodiments are described below.

In any of the embodiments described herein, including pods describedwith reference to FIGS. 1-12 or the alternative two-piece embodimentsdescribed below, a sealing mechanism can be included to provide a sealbetween the first pod portion 114 and the second pod portion 116 such asto hold a liquid within the pod during shipment or mixing of a cocktailor to maintain carbonation or freshness of the contents of the pod. Anyappropriate sealing mechanism can be included. Without limitation, someexemplary sealing mechanisms are described below.

FIG. 15 shows a two-piece convertible beverage container and drinkingapparatus, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment. Section A-Ashows a cross-sectional view of the first pod portion 1514 attached tothe second pod portion 1516 to form an enclosed pod such as for holdinga beverage. The first pod portion 1514 has a base element at a base endthat is configured to attach to the open orifice at the drinking end ofthe second pod portion 1516. The first pod portion 1514 includesattachment element 1510 at an attachment end that is configured toattach to attachment region 1524 of the second pod portion 1516. Forexample, the attachment element 1510 and the attachment region 1524 mayinclude complementary threading or other attachment features. Asmentioned above, the first pod portion 1514 and the second pod portion1516 may be sealed such as to hold a liquid within the pod duringshipment or mixing of a cocktail or to maintain carbonation or freshnessof the contents of the pod. In this exemplary embodiment, the sealincludes two nitrile o-rings 1552 and 1554, as shown in Detail C 1550.In this exemplary embodiment, the first pod portion 1514 includeschannels for securing the nitrile o-rings such that the nitrile o-ringscontact the second pod portion 1516 when the two pod portions 1514/1516are attached as shown. Additionally or alternatively, channels can beincluded in the second pod portion 1516 for securing the nitrileo-rings. It should be noted that one, two, or more o-rings may be usedin various alternative embodiments. It also should be noted that othertypes of o-rings or other types of sealing structures may be used invarious alternative embodiments. As discussed above, the first podportion 1514 can be removed from the second pod portion 1516 and thenattached to the second pod portion 1516 to form an article of stemware,for example, as shown in Section B-B. The interconnection of attachmentelement 1510 to attachment region 1524 is shown in Detail E 1560.

FIG. 16 shows a two-piece convertible beverage container and drinkingapparatus, in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment. Section J-Jshows a cross-sectional view of the first pod portion 1614 attached tothe second pod portion 1616 to form an enclosed pod such as for holdinga beverage. The first pod portion 1614 has a base element at a base endthat is configured to attach to the open orifice at the drinking end ofthe second pod portion 1616. In this exemplary embodiment, the secondpod portion 1616 includes locking pins 1654 that mate with correspondinglocking features on the first pod portion 1614 to allow the first podportion 1614 to be attached and detached from the second pod portion1616. The first pod portion 1614 includes attachment element 1610 at anattachment end that is configured to attach to attachment region 1624 ofthe second pod portion 1616. For example, the attachment element 1610and the attachment region 1624 may include complementary threading orother attachment features. As mentioned above, the first pod portion1614 and the second pod portion 1616 may be sealed such as to hold aliquid within the pod during shipment or mixing of a cocktail or tomaintain carbonation or freshness of the contents of the pod. In thisexemplary embodiment, the seal includes a cork gasket 1652 that ispositioned between the first pod portion 1614 and the second pod portion1616, as shown in Detail K 1650. It should be noted that other types ofgaskets (e.g., rubber or nitrile) or sealing structures may be used invarious alternative embodiments. As discussed above, the first podportion 1614 can be removed from the second pod portion 1616 and thenattached to the second pod portion 1616 to form an article of stemware,for example, as shown in Section H-H. The interconnection of attachmentelement 1610 to attachment region 1624 is shown in Detail L 1660.

FIG. 17 shows a two-piece convertible beverage container and drinkingapparatus, in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment. Section B-Bshows a cross-sectional view of the first pod portion 1714 attached tothe second pod portion 1716 to form an enclosed pod such as for holdinga beverage. The first pod portion 1714 has a base element at a base endthat is configured to attach to the open orifice at the drinking end ofthe second pod portion 1716. The first pod portion 1714 includesattachment element 1710 at an attachment end that is configured toattach to attachment region 1724 of the second pod portion 1716. Forexample, the attachment element 1710 and the attachment region 1724 mayinclude complementary threading or other attachment features. Asmentioned above, the first pod portion 1714 and the second pod portion1716 may be sealed such as to hold a liquid within the pod duringshipment or mixing of a cocktail or to maintain carbonation or freshnessof the contents of the pod. In this exemplary embodiment, the sealincludes an o-ring 1752 that is positioned between the first pod portion1714 and the second pod portion 1716, as shown in Detail C 1750. Itshould be noted that other types of gaskets (e.g., cork) or sealingstructures may be used in various alternative embodiments. As discussedabove, the first pod portion 1714 can be removed from the second podportion 1716 and then attached to the second pod portion 1716 to form anarticle of stemware, for example, as shown in Section F-F. Theinterconnection of attachment element 1710 to attachment region 1724 isshown in Detail G 1760.

FIG. 18 shows yet another exemplary embodiment of a convertible beveragecontainer and drinking apparatus having some additional/alternativefeatures as described below. Some relevant parts corresponding to thosein FIGS. 15-17 are highlighted, i.e., first pod portion 1514/1614/1714,second pod portion 1516/1616/1716, Base Element of the first podportion, and Top-Drinking End of the second pod portion.

FIG. 19 shows yet another exemplary embodiment of a convertible beveragecontainer and drinking apparatus having additional/alternative featuresas in FIG. 18 and as described below. Highlighting of parts such as thefirst pod portion, the second pod portion, the Base Element, and theTop-Drinking End are omitted for convenience.

The main difference between the embodiments shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 arethe dimensions, with perhaps (but without limitation) one being bettersuited to wines and the other being better suited to Champagne orprosecco.

FIG. 20 shows some further additional/alternative features that can beused with the embodiments of FIGS. 18 and 19, as described below. InFIG. 20, these additional/alternative features are shown relative to theembodiment of FIG. 19, although it should be clear that similaradditional/alternative features can be applied to the embodiment of FIG.18. Highlighting of parts such as the first pod portion, the second podportion, the Base Element, and the Top-Drinking End are omitted forconvenience.

FIGS. 21A-C highlight one of the additional/alternative features of theembodiments of FIGS. 18-20, specifically where the base element of thefirst pod portion includes a cropped overhang. FIG. 21A shows Detail Cfrom FIG. 17 in which the base element has an extended overhang that cansubstantially hide the threading when the apparatus is configured as adrinking vessel, for example, as in Section F-F in FIG. 17. FIG. 21Bshows corresponding Detail C from FIGS. 19-20 in which the base elementhas a cropped overhang. FIG. 21C shows corresponding Detail L from FIG.18 in which the base element has a cropped overhang. In exemplaryembodiments, these cropped overhangs are specifically configured toallow the base element of the first pod portion to accommodate a bottomring or other attachment (referred to herein generically as a “bottomring” although the attachment need not be shaped like a ring) thatattaches onto the base element where the extended overhang otherwisewould have prevented such attachment when the apparatus is in thestemware configuration. Also, it is anticipated that a base elementhaving a cropped overhang will be easier and less expensive tomanufacture. The bottom ring can attach to the base element in anyappropriate way, such as, for example, via screw-fit onto the existingthreading or via press-fit onto the base element over the existingthreading. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a bottom ringconfigured to screw-fit onto the existing threading of the base elementof the first pod portion, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

Additionally or alternatively, the top-drinking end of the second podportion can accommodate a top ring or other attachment (referred toherein generically as a “top ring” although the attachment need not beshaped like a ring) that attaches onto the top-drinking end of thesecond pod portion when the apparatus is in the stemware configuration.The top ring can attach to the base element in any appropriate way, suchas, for example, via screw-fit onto the existing threading or viapress-fit onto the top-drinking end over the existing threading. FIG. 25is a schematic diagram showing a top ring configured to screw-fit ontothe existing threading of the top-drinking end of the second podportion, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

It should be noted that a top and/or bottom ring allows for manypossibilities, including, without limitation, as a weight or stabilizerat the bottom of the drinking apparatus in the case of the bottom ring(e.g., for stability), as a decoration to the top and/or bottom of thedrinking apparatus, as a marker or indicator of the owner or holder ofthe drinking vessel (e.g., color-coded), or as a platform for printingor engraving (e.g., for including advertising, or for including a namesuch as a guest at a party). The top and/or bottom ring can be formed ofany appropriate material (e.g., metal, plastic, etc.) and can beembellished in any appropriate manner, for example, engraved, printed,jeweled, etc.

Without limitation, it is envisioned that convertible beveragecontainers will be dispensed at various types of functions and events(e.g., weddings/showers, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Quinceaneras, banquets, fundraising events, sporting events, etc.), in which case the host couldhave rings engraved to enhance the guest experience.

For one example, it is envisioned that rings could be engraved orprinted with guest names, in which case the personalized rings could beused as gifts and/or as seating markers (e.g., placed at the eventtables and perhaps even used as personalized napkin rings). The user canthen place the ring on the drinking apparatus, e.g., to mark or indicatehis or her drinking apparatus.

For another example, it is envisioned that rings could be engraved withone and/or both teams participating in a sporting event such as achampionship game (e.g., NFL superbowl, MLB world series, NBAchampionship, NHL championship, MLS championship, etc.). Withoutlimitation, fans can be given rings with both teams at the start of thegame and/or can pick up their own championship ring (e.g., a ring withjust the winning team) after the game.

It also is envisioned that the first pod portion and/or the second podportion can include printing or engraving (e.g., for includingadvertising, or for including an event name, a bride and groom name, aguest of honor name, etc.). FIG. 23 shows printing or engraving on thesecond pod portion, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.Such printing or engraving can be in addition to any printing orengraving on a top and/or bottom ring.

Overall, the convertible beverage container and drinking apparatus aswell as the ring(s) can be wonderful gifts or souvenirs.

FIG. 24 highlights another additional/alternative feature of theembodiments of FIGS. 18-20, specifically where the attachment element atthe attachment end of the first pod portion is configured to attach tothe attachment region of the second pod portion via a press-fitattachment rather than being threaded for screw-on attachment. Theseexemplary embodiments include a clip-in ring that fits in a seat withinthe attachment region of the second pod portion and that is configuredto engage with the attachment element (e.g., a prominent rim) to attachthe two pieces together via a press-fit attachment, although other typesof press-fit attachment configurations can be used in variousalternative embodiments.

In any of the described embodiments, the second pod portion (e.g.,1516/1616/1716) can include a beverage or an ingredient for a beverage(e.g., a liquid or other ingredient), and a removable seal such as seal704 can be included to seal the ingredient within the second pod portion(e.g., 1516/1616/1716). Such a removable seal can be used in combinationwith, or in lieu of, seals such as o-rings or gaskets, in variousalternative embodiments.

In any of the described embodiments, the first pod portion (e.g.,1514/1614/1714) can include a hollow cavity. The hollow cavity can beused to contain an ingredient for the beverage, a drink-related article,a sanitary-related article, or other item. Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 15-17, the first pod portion (e.g., 1514/1614/1714) can include anopening at the attachment end (i.e., the end including attachmentelement, e.g., 1510/1610/1710) through which a liquid or otheringredient can be poured into the pod and then sealed (e.g., using acork or screw-on top) and through which contents of the pod can bedispensed if needed. Thus, for example, the pod can be assembled andthen filled with one or more ingredients for a beverage.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the true scope of the invention, and numerous variationsand modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art based onthe teachings herein. Any references to the “invention” are intended torefer to exemplary embodiments of the invention and should not beconstrued to refer to all embodiments of the invention unless thecontext otherwise requires. The described embodiments are to beconsidered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A convertible beverage container and drinkingapparatus, the convertible beverage container and drinking apparatuscomprising: a first pod portion having a base element at a base end andan attachment element at an attachment end oppositely disposed to thebase end; and a second pod portion having an open orifice at a drinkingend, the open orifice configured to fixably attach to the base elementat the base end of the first pod portion, and an attachment regionoppositely disposed to the drinking end, the attachment regionconfigured to fixably attach to the attachment element at the attachmentend of the first pod portion; and at least one seal, wherein the firstand second pod portions are configured to alternately form (a) a podconfiguration in which the base element at the base end of the first podportion is fixably attached to the open orifice at the drinking end ofthe second pod portion with the at least one seal disposed between thefirst and second pod portions to form a seal therebetween and (b) astemware configuration in which the attachment element at the attachmentend of the first pod portion is fixably attached to the attachmentregion of the second pod portion to form a stemware drinking vesselhaving a foot, a stem, and a bowl in which the first pod portion formsthe foot and stem of the stemware drinking vessel and the second podportion forms the bowl of the stemware drinking vessel, wherein the baseelement includes a cropped overhang configured to accommodate a bottomring when the convertible beverage container and drinking apparatus isin the stemware configuration.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising the bottom ring configured to attach to the base element withthe cropped overhang.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the bottomring is configured to attach to the base element with the croppedoverhang via screw-on attachment.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, whereinthe bottom ring is configured to attach to the base element with thecropped overhang via press-on attachment.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the bottom ring includes an embellishment.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising: a top ring configured to attach to atop-drinking end of the second pod portion when the convertible beveragecontainer and drinking apparatus is in the stemware configuration. 7.The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the top ring is configured to attachvia screw-on attachment.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the topring is configured to attach via press-on attachment.
 9. The apparatusof claim 4, wherein the top ring includes an embellished.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment element at the attachmentend of the first pod portion is configured to fixably attach to theattachment region of the second pod portion via a press-fit attachmentto form the stemware drinking vessel.
 11. The apparatus of 10, furthercomprising a clip-in ring configured to be seated in the attachmentregion of the second pod portion and to engage with the attachmentelement of the first pod portion.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, whereinthe attachment element includes a prominent rim of the attachmentelement to attach the two pieces together via the press-fit attachment.13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, in the pod configuration, thesecond pod portion contains a beverage or an ingredient for a beveragesuch as a liquid.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second podportion further includes a removable seal to hold the ingredient in thesecond pod portion.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first podportion includes a hollow cavity containing at least one of (1) aningredient for the beverage, (2) a drink-related article, or (3) asanitary-related article.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefirst pod portion and the second pod portion are metal.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the bowl of the second pod portion isconfigured to have a shape associated with a specific type of drink. 18.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one seal includes atleast one o-ring and/or at least one gasket.
 19. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising a cork or cap to seal an opening at the attachmentend of the first pod portion in the pod configuration.